Leeds residents with at least a passing interest in the game of pool will be aware of the city centre venues that have multiple pool tables, but did you know that West Leeds has its very own pool hall? Community reporter Robert Hoskin pays a visit.
Sitting directly opposite Pudsey Cenotaph, but without prominent signage and accessible only via an unmarked road running underneath the building itself, the 147 Sports Bar is one of Leeds’ largest pool halls.
The club was opened 12 years ago, when Sharon and Gary Hood renovated a large part of a building that had been vacated by Pudsey Conservative Club.
Although Gary sadly passed away a few years ago, the club remains a family-run business which has survived despite the COVID pandemic and the cost of living crisis that has impacted much of the hospitality sector.
Despite its innocuous external appearance, the private members’ club boasts nine traditional ‘English’ pool tables, two snooker tables, an American pool table and a couple of darts boards, as well as a separate, bookable, function room.
The club prides itself on the quality of the tables and equipment available to players, in contrast to that usually available with pub pool tables.
Unsurprisingly given its size, the club serves as an important venue for many local pool competitions.
The club hosts events run by the Leeds Community Pool League and the West Yorkshire County Pool Association as well as other tournaments that are organised independently.
These tournaments can attract players of high quality from across the area, with former International Pool Association World Champion Gareth Hibbott being amongst those who have participated in events at the club.
During tournaments, matches from two of the tables are often streamed on YouTube, meaning that competitors get the chance for 15 minutes of internet fame!
Even if you aren’t confident enough to have your pool-playing streamed live, the club are happy to welcome new members of any ability for casual play.
Annual memberships cost less than a round of drinks, and for July there’s 30% off table rates every Tuesday.
If you have a child that may be interested in Pool, then the club also hosts a monthly West Yorkshire County Youth Academy event which is open to U18s of all abilities (the next one is Saturday, 12 July).
So if you’re hoping your child might be the next Ronnie O’Sullivan, or if you just want to get them off their smartphones for a couple of hours, then the 147 Sports Bar may be the place for you!
Sponsored content
